Knights down Lancer boys in NWC game

Van Wert independent sports

CONVOY — The Crestview Knights used a sticky man-to-man defense and a great offensive performance by Connor Lautzenheiser to earn a 49-38 victory over cross-county rivals the Lincolnview Lancers in a Northwest Conference game played in Ray Etzler Gymnasium at Crestview.

The Knights had a three-point advantage, 12-9, at the end of the first quarter, and stretched that to eight points, 25-17, at the half. Lincolnview was able to shave a basket off the lead in the third quarter, outscoring the Knights 12-10 to trail by six, 35-29, at the end of 24 minutes of play, but Crestview’s offense reasserted itself in the final stanza, outscoring the Lancers 14-9 for the final margin of victory.

Crestview’s Lautzenheiser led both teams in scoring, with 29 points — only nine points fewer than Lincolnview’s entire team total. Cody Mefferd added 15 points for the Knights. The Lancers were led by Chandler Adams’ 8 points, while Justis Dowdy and Hayden Ludwig added 7 points apiece for Lincolnview.

With the win, the Knights are now 8-4 overall and 3-0 in the NWC, while Lincolnview is 7-6 overall and 1-3 in conference play.

Crestview’s junior varsity team also won a close contest, 47-43, over the Lancer JVs in the opening game of the night.